rejoice - one of those good old theological words that the Bible is always talking about right? Well, it certainly does appear in the Bible quite a lot, but it's a very down to earth word that can and should affect our lives every day.

"Let us be glad and rejoice, giving the glory to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride is getting herself ready!"

Rejoice comes from the Hebrew root samech-mem-khet and means a lot more than just being happy or having a good time. Lots of people do that (or try to do that) on Saturday nights, often involving loud music, alcohol or restricted substances, but that has nothing to do with rejoicing.

Rejoicing is when joy rises up inside you, deep-seated joy that cannot be suppressed, and bursts out to share with eveyone. Rejoicing can take the form of dancing, singing, laughing, praying, weeping, even - perhaps - eating and drinking; it may be loud, it may be soft, but it is focussed on the goodness of G-d and what He has done for us and His ancient people, Israel.

When did you last rejoice and give yourself over to praising G-d and acknowledging His goodness in your life? Give it a try next time G-d pokes you or blesses you; rejoice and be glad in Him!